Confused about the term “long-term flourishing?” Let’s clear it up in about 300 words. Long-term flourishing is the real purpose of schooling. It’s what every educator and parent on the planet hopes for their children. Long-term because we love the child not just for today or this year, but also in 20 years; flourishing because we know […]
Beyond the Fear of Public Speaking: Making the First Pop-Up Debate a Success for All Students
Every school year, I have students who are anxious to the point of nausea about speaking in front of their peers. And, every school year, I have a student or two who goes through a transformation similar to Rebekah’s. Let’s take a look at her story (click here for video). I’m not sure if Rebekah’s newfound desire for a career in politics is something I should celebrate or mourn, but what I do know is that Rebekah is a zestier, more courageous and confident young woman…
Starting Strong with the “Transformative” & Simple Think-Pair-Share Strategy
In order for my students to progress to successful pop-up debates, and to drastically increase the quantity of speaking they’ll do during their time in my room, I need to start with the simplest possible training ground for verbal communication: two people having a conversation. Toward that end, the first week of school finds me teaching Frank Lyman’s […]
3,500 Teachers Can’t Be Wrong: We Need Permission to Focus
I think that there are hundreds of thousands of teachers, coaches, and administrators who are dying to be told, “If you and your students are working on this handful of things, repeatedly and with increasing skill, throughout the school year as you move through your curriculum, you’re okay.” Those last words, especially, are important: “You’re […]
Cures for First Day of School Overwhelm
Every August, I feel it: the pressure to make this school year perfect, and, therefore, the pressure to make the first day of school perfect. Because, as we all know, that first day determines the whole year. Right?
Let’s think through that.